Caring Contacts via Text Messages for suicidal adolescents after emergency department discharge

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pilot study evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of sending brief caring text messages to adolescents after ED discharge. Participants are followed for 12 months with surveys at enrollment, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months to track changes in suicidal thoughts and behaviors and overall engagement with care. Some participants will receive Caring Contacts in addition to treatment as usual, while others receive treatment as usual alone, to explore potential differences over time. Interviews may be conducted to understand participant experiences receiving the messages. The study is conducted at a pediatric hospital in Chicago with collaboration from NIMH.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 12 to \<18 years of age
* Present to the emergency department with suicidal thoughts or behaviors as indicated by the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ)
* Have a cell phone that can receive text messages
* Proficient in English
* Anticipated disposition of discharge from the emergency department

Exclusion Criteria:

* In care of the Department of Children and Family Services
* Unable to participate meaningfully in assent, assessments, or the intervention, as determined by the treating clinician, including any of the following: acute or chronic cognitive impairment, acute psychosis, current severe agitation, current alcohol or drug intoxication

Where it's running

• Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
  Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jennifer A. Hoffmann, MD, MS — Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University
• Study coordinator: Jennifer A. Hoffmann, MD, MS
• Email: jhoffmann@luriechildrens.org
• Phone: 312-227-4000

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.